Yae Miko's words were truly shocking.
Raiden Ei felt a chill creep up her spine—
as though a bolt of lightning had run from her heels straight to her mind, leaving her trembling with unease.
But after thinking carefully, she forced herself to calm down.
"Yae Miko," she said slowly, "aren't you overthinking it a little?"
"Am I?"
Yae Miko waved her hand nonchalantly. "Everything's still unclear. Just take it as a joke, will you~"
Yet deep down, Miko couldn't shake a faint suspicion.
She didn't know if she was simply being paranoid.
After all, the Previous Life Series had only reached its second installment—and it had just begun.
"Let's just keep watching," she said, turning her attention back to the screen, her eyes thoughtful.
In truth, she hadn't known Raiden Makoto all that well.
Before Miko had fully matured, Makoto had already fallen in battle.
Even so, Miko still held some fond remembrance of the elder Raiden.
In the video:
After being formally appointed as Regent General, Gu Chen's authority expanded even further.
Raiden Makoto had personally granted him this power, handing nearly all her governing duties to him.
That day—
Inside Tenshukaku, Gu Chen sat at the throne, eyes fixed on the map laid before him, silent and focused.
Beside him, Raiden Makoto knelt gracefully, carefully brewing tea.
She had learned the art of tea-making from Gu Chen himself—thankfully, tea leaves grew in Inazuma too. After tasting it once, she liked it immediately and asked Gu Chen to teach her.
While she worked, the great doors of the hall opened.
"Ei, you're back," Makoto said warmly, beckoning her sister closer.
"Mm."
Raiden Ei nodded slightly, then turned her sharp gaze toward Gu Chen.
He lifted his eyes from the map to look at her.
Ei carried with her the faint scent of blood—her whole presence was sharp, like a sword that could strike at any moment.
"You've returned?" Gu Chen asked calmly. "Was it successful?"
"It's done. The island of Narukami now fully submits," Ei said with a note of pride.
Makoto smiled, proud of her sister, and quickly poured her a cup of tea.
Gu Chen took up his brush and drew a large circle on the map, enclosing Narukami Island. His eyes then moved to the smaller isles beyond.
After a moment's thought, he shook his head. "Let's rest for now. Even if we took these territories, they'd be hard to govern. Our foundation still isn't strong enough."
A nation couldn't rely solely on its gods for strength.
Though they commanded many yokai under their banners, even that wasn't enough.
There were still too few capable people to rely on.
"More and more warriors are emerging among the common folk," Gu Chen said at last. "Have the Tenryou Commission keep an eye on them."
"Should we suppress them?" Makoto asked.
Gu Chen shook his head. "No—this is a good thing. When mortals follow gods into war, it shows their courage. A nation can't rely only on gods or spirits to fight. Humans must take part as well—otherwise, they'll never feel true unity."
"I see," Makoto said, her eyes lighting up. "You mean they need to feel involved, to understand how their peace is earned."
Gu Chen nodded. Then his gaze turned toward Ei. "In the future, you'll lead them into battle."
Ei frowned slightly.
Bringing mortals into war? Wouldn't that only hold her back?
They weren't strong—they might even become liabilities.
"Just do as he says," Makoto said gently.
Ei looked at her sister, hesitated, then nodded. "Understood."
After Ei had left, Makoto turned back to Gu Chen. "You have another reason for this, don't you?"
Gu Chen continued writing on a sheet of paper, replying without looking up. "If mortals witness the Raiden Shogun's strength firsthand, and fight beside her, their faith will deepen."
"Is that really necessary?" Makoto asked, puzzled.
"Necessary or not doesn't matter," Gu Chen said evenly. "What matters is balance. If other races are fighting and dying while humans stay behind the walls, resentment will grow. They'll think, 'Why do we fight while they enjoy peace?'"
Makoto nodded slowly. "You're right."
Under Gu Chen's command, the Tenryou Commission began to move.
They had previously served only as lawkeepers—but now, a true army was needed.
Training began.
Gu Chen wasn't sending men to die—Ei had already spread the art of blade-forging, and talented smiths were beginning to craft finer swords.
Day after day, the drills continued.
[Keqing]: That's exactly how the ancient Millelith were formed—following Morax into battle, fighting even demon gods!
[Zhongli]: Indeed.
[Venti]: The old man truly has foresight! (applauds)
[Jean]: Mondstadt's history was similar—though Lord Barbatos rarely fought directly, he supported from the shadows. He helped overthrow the tyrant God of Tornadoes and guided Vanessa, yet let mortals lead the charge.
[Gu Chen]: That's just called slacking off. 😏
[Kaeya]: 😏
[Venti]: Slacking?! I call it strategic delegation! (confident)
[Barbara]: Oh yeah? Explain then!
[Venti]: Ehehe~
[Gu Chen]: Your "deep meaning" is just ehehe, isn't it? 😏
[Venti]: Instead of analyzing me, maybe analyze Gu Chen's motives here!
[Kazuha]: It's simple. Gods shouldn't have to handle everything themselves. Mortals need to shoulder their own burdens too—divinity isn't meant to babysit mankind.
[Furina]: Well said.
[Zhongli]: Correct.
[Venti]: A flawless take.
[Ayaka]: Mr. Gu Chen's relationship with Lady Makoto is deepening, but he seems distant with Lady Ei. Why is that? 🤔
[Yae Miko]: Maybe he just prefers older women~ 😏
[Traveler]: @Gu Chen Is that true??
[Gu Chen]: Don't make things weird. Probably just because I work with Makoto more, right? You've seen it yourselves—we're together every day.
[Kaeya]: It's been centuries of "together every day"! That's… some deep feelings! 😏
[Venti]: Coward—I dare to imagine it! 😏
[Traveler]: Fine, I get it! So he likes mature types, huh?
The traveler understood her situation well.
She might look young—but her aura could change.
Maturity wasn't just age—it was confidence.
Still… she lacked a bit of experience.
Suddenly, a name popped into her head.
Yinger.
Back in the first video, Traveler had noticed—Yinger seemed very skilled in such matters.
Maybe it was time to seek her guidance.
"Paimon, head home first! I have something to do!"
"Huh?"
Paimon floated in confusion.
Ever since the second video began, Traveler had been acting strange.
Watching her hurry off toward the Chunxiang Teahouse, Paimon tilted her head, finger on her chin.
"So this is… jealousy, right?" she muttered.
Shaking her head, she decided not to think too hard about it—floating home while keeping half an eye on the video.
The perspective shifted—to Raiden Ei.
Inazuma was growing stronger by the day.
The Tenryou Commission had trained many skilled warriors—men who could now stand against monsters.
From their base on Narukami Island, they pushed forward, conquering what would later be known as Yashiori Island.
With Ei leading them, victory came swiftly.
Even when mortals faltered, the sight of their god charging ahead rekindled their courage.
That was the power of faith.
Naturally, after such a triumph, there was celebration and reward.
Ei needed nothing, being divine—but the army certainly did.
Gu Chen reviewed a long list, then handed it to Makoto. "You handle the rewards."
"Eh? Me?"
Makoto looked surprised.
She had mostly been observing and learning all this time.
"Recognition from a god carries more weight," Gu Chen explained. "It'll inspire them."
Makoto nodded seriously. "Understood!"
When the ceremony ended, she found Gu Chen again—nervous, fidgeting slightly.
He was quietly reading a document. Looking up, he said, "You did well, my lady god. You're starting to look like a true ruler."
"All thanks to your teaching~"
Makoto smiled, relieved, and sat beside him.
The throne had always had two seats—one for the Regent General, one for the Raiden Shogun.
At first, they had been a fair distance apart.
But somehow, over the years, Makoto's seat had inched closer and closer… until now, their elbows brushed when they moved.
After a long silence, Makoto finally asked softly, "Do you ever miss home?"
"Home?"
Gu Chen sighed. "Even if I do, what's the point? I can't go back. Not anymore."
"It's alright," Makoto said earnestly. "You can think of this as your home."
"That's why," Gu Chen smiled faintly, "I'm building it."
Makoto's lips curved into a gentle smile. Then, after a pause, she asked, "Do you… miss your family?"
"I have no family. Only some old friends."
"Ah… I see…"
She fidgeted with her hands, unsure what to say.
Then, summoning her courage, she asked, "Do you… miss anyone else?"
Gu Chen blinked, then shook his head. "Who else would I miss, aside from friends?"
He glanced at her curiously. "My lady god, why the sudden interrogation?"
"N-no reason! Just curious!"
Flustered, Makoto thrust another document into his hands. "You read this—I, um, I'll go inspect the grounds!"
She hurried off.
Gu Chen watched her retreating figure, the corners of his lips twitching slightly.
Outside Tenshukaku, Makoto all but ran into the courtyard, a bright smile blooming on her face.
"Well?!"
A white-haired figure in a shrine maiden's robe appeared suddenly—white fox ears twitching. It was Miko Saiguu, the high priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine.
"He said Inazuma is his home! And aside from missing friends, there's no one else!" Makoto replied quickly.
Miko Saiguu nodded approvingly. "He considers Inazuma home—that means he's staying. And no wife? That means—your chance has come!"
"Uh…" Makoto's face flushed crimson.
"Listen," Saiguu went on slyly, "he may not be able to return now, but your sister told me his power is still growing. If he does one day find his way home…?"
Makoto froze—panic flickering in her eyes. The thought of losing him made her chest tighten.
Saiguu smiled knowingly. "So you see—you'll have to use your beauty to keep him here~"
"Th-tha— that's—" Makoto's voice faltered, her cheeks burning.
"Come on, my lady. You don't want to lose such a capable consort, do you?" Saiguu teased.
Makoto looked even more conflicted.
"Don't think I haven't noticed," Saiguu smirked. "Those two thrones—one inch closer every century. Another hundred years and you'll be sitting in his lap!"
"D-don't say that…" Makoto covered her face, mumbling.
"You need to act, my dear! Just push him down right on that throne and kiss him!" Saiguu urged.
"Isn't that… too much?" Makoto stammered.
"Too much? Or too late? What will you do if someone else catches his heart first—just hide in a corner and cry?"
Makoto's eyes lit with resolve. She clenched her fists. "You're right! I'll win him over!"
Saiguu smiled like a proud teacher.
[Raiden Ei]: Is that really my sister?! 😳
[Kaeya]: Gu Chen, you bastard! (furious)
[Venti]: You absolute bastard! 😭
[Gu Chen]: What can I say? I'm just too charming. 😏
[Furina]: Wait, I missed a bit—can someone summarize?! 😫
[Yae Miko]: This episode? Simple. "Reborn in Inazuma: The Narukami Goddess Pursues Me." 😏
[Xingqiu]: Inspiration strikes! @Gu Chen — mind if I write a novel with you as the main character?
[Gu Chen]: Wouldn't that be an instant bestseller? 😏
[Raiden Ei]: Don't write about my sister. (threatens)
[Xingqiu]: Don't worry! I'll make up the heroines!
[Kaeya]:"The Heroines" 😏
[Traveler]: @Gu Chen Just wait till I come back after training. (cold smile)
[Gu Chen]: What are you training for?? (alarmed)
[Traveler]: Don't ask. You'll find out soon. 😏
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